Relegated Toulouse had led 16-12 as the game entered the final quarter on Saturday but Saints finished strongly with a second try from Matty Lees and others from Konrad Hurrell, Tommy Makinson and Jack Welsby to win 36-16.

"I have said all along that it's going to be hard to say goodbye to this club and those fans," said Woolf, who's taking up an assistant coaching role with new NRL team, the Dolphins, in 2023 after tremendous success with Saints.

"I and the players appreciate everything they do for us. I'm hoping I don't have to say goodbye just yet because we've got the play-offs.

"It has been a really big part of my life and something I am very proud to have been part of."

Saints took some time to find their groove but Woolf was pleased they did, finishing with some flair.

He said: "It was a tough game given there was nothing riding on the result.

"It took us a while to get going but there was a different intensity in the second half.

Once we found some space to play in we had a bit of fun. It was a good day for the club and the League Leaders Shield is a great achievement for the club.

"It has been a really challenging year. We haven't got through many games without losing someone and have had to deal with a lot of disruption. To be in this position having won the Shield with all the things we've overcome is an outstanding effort by the group."

Australian Associated Press